The Central Reserve Police Force may soon revisit a long-dormant part of its rank structure. The force is examining whether to bring back the ranks of Lance Naik and Naik, which were removed nearly 29 years ago and merged with Constable and Head Constable, respectively.
Why the proposal is being considered
The discussion is tied to a wider concern inside the CRPF over limited promotional avenues at the constabulary level. With a strength of about 3.25 lakh personnel, the force is looking at ways to ease stagnation and create more opportunities for progression in service.
CRPF headquarters has asked field formations across the country to consult personnel, including through Sainik Sammelans, and send consolidated feedback. According to the report, the responses are expected by October 18 before the matter is examined further by the competent authority.
What changed in 1997
The rank of Lance Naik and Naik was removed from the CRPF hierarchy after a Ministry of Home Affairs order dated October 10, 1997. That restructuring was part of an exercise to rationalise the rank structure and pay scales of non-gazetted personnel in Central Police Organisations.
After the merger, Lance Naik was combined with Constable and Naik with Head Constable. The source notes that these two ranks continue to exist in the Indian Army.
Possible impact on career progression
Before the 1997 change, a Constable in the CRPF could typically move to Lance Naik after around five years of service and to Naik after about 10 years, before reaching Head Constable. At present, the report says CRPF Constables can spend more than two decades waiting for their first regular promotion.
If restored, the two intermediate ranks would sit between Constable and Head Constable. That could create additional promotion points during a personnel’s career and, as the report suggests, may help reduce frustration caused by long periods without advancement.
One structure under consideration would allow promotion to Lance Naik after around five years of service and to Naik after approximately 10 years, before movement to Head Constable. The final service requirements, however, have not been decided and would depend on the structure approved by the government.
Link to Agniveer recruitment
The proposal has also surfaced as the Central Armed Police Forces prepare to recruit former Agniveers after their four-year tenure under the Agnipath scheme. Ex-Agniveers are eligible for recruitment into CAPFs, including the CRPF, and the government provides reservation and age-relaxation benefits for eligible candidates.
The report indicates that restoring intermediate ranks could offer a clearer career path not only for existing personnel but also for those joining the CRPF after military service.
No final decision yet
As of now, no final decision has been announced. Feedback is still being collected from CRPF formations, and the proposal will be examined before it is placed before the competent authority.
If approved, the change would require updates to recruitment rules, pay structures, seniority provisions and the organisational hierarchy. The report says it would be among the most significant changes to the CRPF’s constabulary rank structure since the 1997 restructuring.
